Colorado Buffaloes Scrimmage Recaps and Position Analysis

"With the older guys, the seniors, it’s probably as I expected," said defensive line coach Romeo Bandison.  "(Maurice Lucas) is probably one of the most improved I think.  George (Hypolite) and Brandon (Nicholas) are steady, smart and know their stuff.  There are some things we can improve on, but with those guys I’m pleased."

As for the other defensive end position?  "Jason Brice has made some progress I’ve thought.  Marquez Herrod is solid also," said Bandison.  "I trust those guys and I feel good about them.  I like all the young guys."

Linebackers

The loss of Jordon Dizon to the NFL and Lynn Katoa to suspension has done little to dampen the enthusiasm in Boulder about the Colorado linebacking crew.  Junior Jeff Smart, who made his first career start against Miami (Ohio) in 2007 before starting every Big 12 game, is looked upon as the leader of the group.

"Anytime you spend that much time next to a guy (Dizon) in practice and meetings, you kind of start figuring out what he did and what you need to do," said Coach Hawkins about Smart.  "They (Dizon and Smart) have similar styles.  They’re kind of a similar size and similar speed."

The other returning starter in the linebacker position is Brad Jones.  Jones led the Buffs in the first scrimmage with 14 tackles (no other Buff had more than eight).

"I was just trying to make plays, play hard and read the offense," said Jones of his performance.  "From a defensive standpoint it was a little sloppy, but that was to be expected.  We did some things that made me say ‘wow’—there were some really impressive plays by our defense."

Second in tackles for the defense in the second scrimmage was Michael Sipili, returning from his season-long 2007 suspension.  Sipili had eight tackles, including two tackles for loss, a sack, and a fumble recovery.

Leading the balanced attack for the defense in the second scrimmage were three linebackers.  Juniors Marcus Burton and Shaun Mohler, and sophomore Michael Sipili all had seven tackles on the afternoon, while redshirt freshman Tyler Ahles and freshman Douglas Rippy chipped in six tackles apiece.

Are we any closer to a set lineup at linebacker?  "I think it’s a work in progress," said linebackers coach Brian Cabral.  "I think (Jeff) Smart is on top of his game and (Michael) Sipili is coming along.  After that, there is a lot of work to be done.  I’ve got a three-deep right now, and I’ve just got to see how all that falls out."

Defensive backs

"I’m looking to be All-Big 12 this year," said sophomore cornerback Jimmy Smith during the second week of practice.  "That’s my goal."

Lofty ambitions for a cornerback who has yet to start a college game.  Still, the Buffs’ coaches were not discouraging Smith from being confident.

"It’s Jimmy’s time.  It’s time for him to step up to the plate," said CU secondary coach Greg Brown.  "He has been blessed with a tremendous set of tools.  He has height and an arm span that any corner would envy."

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